CUPE leaders are deeply troubled by rising attacks on political expression across Canada, particularly against workers who have spoken up for Palestinian human rights and against the unfolding genocide in Gaza.
The BC Civil Liberties Association calls the current situation “a watershed moment of peril for civil liberties in Canada.” They have documented a troubling pattern of “professional discipline, loss of educational and training opportunities, censure, harassment, and the criminalization of individuals who have exercised their right to free political expression.”
We have seen these attacks on campuses and in workplaces across the country, and are aware of CUPE members who have faced reprisals, including termination.
Canada faces mounting criticism for a narrowing of acceptable discourse around Gaza. From legislative threats, academic and professional reprisals, to outright policing of speech, CUPE’s main concern is that support for Palestinian lives is being mischaracterized as hate. The result is a creeping attack on fundamental rights, under the guise of combating extremism and antisemitism.
There must be space for legitimate criticism and debate. It is one of the many things that separates us from the increasingly authoritarian approach of the current United States government.
Calling out injustice sits at the very core of the labour movement. It is central to everything we do, and it is a proud part of CUPE’s history.